The New Forest and Waterside Blog has been created to tell the world about what is happening within the boundaries of the New Forest National Park Hampshire UK and surrounding areas. It is local and will bring you regular news about people, events, attractions, leisure, business etc. There are also many links to Attractions, Places to Visit, Accommodation including BandB, Hotels, Holiday Cottages and Campsites. Enjoy!

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Sunday, 2 December 2012

Top prizes are on offer to anyone who finds a gold Christmas decoration hidden in the New Forest National Park from Friday 30 November to Friday 7 December, to celebrate the first Christmas Fair at New Park near Brockenhurst.

The six golden baubles could be hidden in a tree, on the Forest floor, on a bench or by a path and there are eight days to find them all.

Prizes donated are:

Midweek lunch for two with a bottle of wine at The Pig, Brockenhurst

Spa day for two at SenSpa at Carey’s Manor, Brockenhurst

Breakfast for two at the Old Farmhouse Restaurant and Tearooms, Burley

A family ticket for four to next year’s New Forest Show

A Christmas tree and wreath from the Forestry Commission

A year’s family membership to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

The free Christmas Fair at New Park on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and to do all your Christmas shopping in one place.

There will be over 70 stands selling unique and bespoke gifts and New Forest Marque members Rosie Lea tearooms and Setley Ridge Farm Shop will be selling hot local food and soup, as well as tasty hot chocolate and mulled wine.

There is also lots on offer for children including making reindeer with National Park Authority Rangers, face painting, a Santa’s post box, a pony driven sleigh from 2pm each day, Christmas carols and even Santa will be making a brief appearance over the weekend.

Sarah Hunt, New Forest Marque Manager and Fair Co-ordinator, said: ‘The New Forest is full of artisan food producers and craft makers and what better way to promote what they do than at a Christmas Fair.

‘Joining up with the Forestry Commission is a great way for everyone to do all their Christmas shopping in one place.’

Gary North, Recreation Manager at the Forestry Commission, said: ‘The Forestry Commission will be selling a large range of home grown spruce and fir trees, including the non-drop variety from 1 December.

‘There is nothing quite like the smell of a real Christmas tree in your home. Our trees are sustainably grown in the UK, with at least one tree being planted to replace each one that is harvested. We have Christmas trees of every shape and size and our expert staff are available to help you pick, wrap and carry the perfect Christmas tree to your car.’

Dennis Dooley, Show Secretary at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, said: ‘We are pleased to be involved in an event that brings local businesses together in one place.

‘We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Fair. New Park is a great location and people have been buying their Christmas trees here from the Forestry Commission for many years.’